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Heated debate erupts in House of Reps over Tinubu’s budget request

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The House of Representatives on Thursday engaged in a heated debate over President Bola Tinubu’s request to extend the implementation period of the N21.83 trillion capital component of the 2023 budget.

Also debated was the extension of the N2.17trillion 2023 supplementary budget to Dec. 2024.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas had during the plenary read a letter by the President after which the executive bills requesting the extension were introduced.

The Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, moved for the second reading of the bills.

However, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, raised concern on the request for extension of the two budgets.

Chinda said that it would be morally wrong for the country to be running three to four budgets concurrently.

He said that the 2024 budget is currently being implemented while the executive is still requesting for the extension of the 2023 main and supplementary budgets at the same time.

According to him, rather than extension, important projects in the supplementary budget should be moved to the 2024 budget.

Rep. Alhassan Doguwa (APC-Kano) in his contribution supported the position of the minority leader, saying that it would be morally wrong to have three budgets running at the same time.

The Speaker, however, appealed to members to support the extension of the budget implementation.

He said most of the items on the supplementary budget were security related issues.

In spite of his plea, majority of the lawmakers appeared not comfortable with the request for extension of the budgets as they kept on shouting “No, no.”

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Following the disagreement, Abbas asked that the House should go into an executive session for members to iron out issues before resuming consideration of the bills. (NAN)

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Abia: I will retire when I finish my 8 years tenure – Otti

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has firmly ruled out any plans to contest for a Senate seat after his tenure ends.

He made the declaration on Saturday during a reception held in his honour by the Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch.

Otti dismissed speculations of a senatorial ambition, describing the rumours as baseless and misleading.

“When I finish my eight years here, I will retire. I am not going to Abuja,” Otti said, urging critics to stop spreading falsehoods.

He stressed the need to give room for younger leaders, citing the evolving political landscape and rising youth participation.

“We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising. It’s time we give them the opportunity,” he added.

The governor also announced plans to revisit the 2011 disengagement of 154 state workers, mostly teachers, from the civil service.

He said the State Head of Service would be directed to urgently review the matter for possible redress.

Otti hinted that those under 65 might be reengaged on contract, especially given the teacher shortage across the state.

He criticised the workers’ dismissal on the basis of state of origin, calling it unjust and illegal.

“For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms,” the governor assured.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusivity, and correcting the wrongs of previous governments.

In separate remarks, lawmaker Stephen Ucheonye and Chief Obiora Nwakpadolo praised Otti’s leadership and developmental strides.

They said the governor’s performance inspired the decision to hold the reception in his honour. (NAN)

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Ukachukwu Emerges Victorious Over Ozigbo to Secure APC Nomination for Anambra Governorship

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Nicholas Ukachukwu, a former House of Representatives member, has successfully obtained the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket for the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

Ukachukwu won decisively during the party’s primary election held on Saturday, outpacing his nearest competitor, Valentine Ozigbo, along with other candidates by a significant margin.

He garnered 1,455 votes, while Ozigbo received 67 votes. Other aspirants, Edozie Madu and Johnbosco Onunkwo, secured 8 and 26 votes, respectively.

The Anambra governorship election is scheduled for November 8, 2025.

In a statement following his victory, Ukachukwu vowed to lead the state to the APC.

“We will ensure that Anambra is delivered to the APC. I want to emphasize that no one has ever won the governorship of Anambra without my backing; it has never occurred,” he remarked.

“I have played the role of a godfather, but now I aspire to be the father of the father — it’s time to move beyond the traditional godfather model.”

Notably, just hours before the primary election, three aspirants withdrew from the race, including former federal lawmaker Chukwuma Umeoji, Obiora Okonkwo, and Paul Chukwuma, who has since resigned from the party.

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No Vacancy In Aso Rock, Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, APC Declares

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The Executive Committee and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani ahead of 2027, declaring that there would not be vacancy in the Aso Rock Villa and Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna during the next election.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by Francis Danladi Kozah and Jerry Irimiya Mark, chairman and co-chairman of the APC stakeholders and read by the council chairman, Joseph Bege.

The communique stated that the decision was taken based on President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani’s commitments to the peace and security of not just Zangon Kataf, but Kaduna state at large.

According to the stakeholders, the establishment of a military 2nd National Mission Brigade base in the local government has proven to be a pivotal move in sustaining peace in the area.

“Their commitment to the peace and security of our people is evident in the sudden end to attacks on our communities.

“This move reflects the government’s understanding of the critical need for enhanced security measures in areas prone to conflict, thereby fostering an environment where citizens can thrive.

“We urge all residents of Zangon Kataf to remain vigilant and committed to fostering harmony within our communities, as peace is the cornerstone of development,” They said.

The stakeholders lauded Tinubu for appointing Indigenes of Zangon Kataf including Gen. Chris Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and Bishop Hassan Kukah as Pro Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

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They explained that given the return of peace in the area and the tangible infrastructural development being witnessed, the re-election of Tinubu and Sani was a done deal.

“In light of all that we have benefited from this government, we want to declare that there is no vacancy in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House and Aso Rock come 2027.

“We shall offer our full support to both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in their re-election bid,” they added.

They appreciated Gov. Sani for the ongoing multi-billion naira skills acquisition city that will provide ‘our youths with certified skills, thereby stamping out the root cause of criminality in our society’.

The stakeholders called on people of the local government to rally behind the two leaders as they have shown dedication to their welfare, security and progress.

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